VW

Finally, Volkswagen introduces a Golf model that offers better performance than the GTI. We say finally because for the last three years rumors of the Golf R’s arrival on North American shores have surfaced several times only to disappear beneath a wave of denials.

AWD Golf R

Well, the all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R is here and the what this car offers is the fastest Golf model ever. This model offers a wider look than the GTI with its three air intakes, its aero side sills and its rear dual center exhaust. The Golf R comes with LED daytime running lights, Bi-Xenon headlights with advanced front-lighting system — shifting up to 15 degrees when operating, enabling you to see around corners better — and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Golf R Performance

But we all know that it the Golf R’s performance cred that draws everyone to this model that starts at $33,990 for the two-door and $36,090 with the four-door. Those two extra doors also include a sunroof and navigation, but as you might imagine you’re still paying a lot of money for a subcompact street hummer.

Under the hood is where all of the action is. That’s because Volkswagen uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 243 foot-pounds of torque at 2,400 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, this engine takes premium grade gasoline for optimum performance and is EPA rated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.

No DSG

Motor Trend says that the Golf R should go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. With the dual clutch gearbox you can see 5.3 seconds, but that transmission is not available on the left side of the pond. Yes, enthusiasts are bummed that the DSG isn’t an available, something that may cost Volkswagen a few sales. The Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and Subaru Impreza WRX are two models competing with the Golf R, priced slightly higher, but in the case of the WRX offers a faster ride.

You get five color choices to choose from including Deep Black Pearl Metallic, Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic and Tornado Red. Not sure if “Candy White” is a name that will appeal to too many buyers.

The capital city of Mexico has one feature that no other city in the world can boast of: a huge fleet of iconic Volkswagen Beetle taxis to transport citizens around the bustling city of twenty million
people. No, it isn’t the same “New Beetle” sold in the US, rather the original Beetle that was last sold in the US more than three decades ago.

Now, Mexico City wants to distance itself from the cute bug, citing pollution concerns. Yes, the lovable bug is long on personality, but short on environmental friendliness and, citing published reports, is facing extinction. According to Victor Manuel Ramirez, head of the taxi division at the city transport and road ministry, the city now considers these cars to be a nuisance and wants them off of city streets, replaced by a modern fleet of fuel efficient vehicles.

The city is home to more than 100,000 taxis, often the only way that residents are able to get around the metropolis. But, the aged Beetles are anything but fuel efficient, getting just 19 miles per gallon when some of its modern competitors are averaging 34 mpg. Never mind the pollution that these cars emit — Mexico City is often enshrouded in smog, its residents plagued with respiratory illnesses.

The city’s government has plans to push taxis more than ten years old out of the city, which means that 75,000 cars would have to be replaced, the majority of those which are the original Volkswagen Beetle. City leaders are offering drivers $1500 to scrap their cars, but most drivers say that their taxis are still worth at least $2500. When sold new, the Beetle retailed for just $7500, but the car was last produced in 2003.

Not every taxi driver is thrilled with the move, citing a potential financial loss as one reason for wanting to keep their Beetles or seeking a higher contribution from the city to help them buy bigger, but more fuel efficient replacements.

Regardless of those feelings, by 2012 taxi drivers will be legally required to comply with the edict, with some expected to keep their cars for private use or sell them to third parties as the ban does not cover private owners…yet.